On Friday, February 17, 2023 at approximately 3:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 47, near milepost 74, north of NW Nowakowki Rd., near Vernonia. The preliminary investigation indicated a green 1999 Subaru Legacy wagon, operated by Destanie King (26) of Vernonia, was traveling northbound on HWY 47 when for unknown reasons the Legacy crossed into the oncoming lane, with the passenger side now facing north, while in the southbound lane, colliding with the front of a southbound red 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon. King, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator of the 2014 Subaru Outback, Claire Colburn-Collier (65) of San Pablo (CA) and her passenger, Michael Collier (66) of San Pablo (CA), were transported by air to Legacy Emanuel with life threatening injuries. Michael Collier was pronounced deceased from his injuries on February 18th. The highway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. The Oregon State Police were assisted by the Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office, Banks Fire, and ODOT.
